Tape-measure.



PATENTED SEPT. 8, 1908.

W. GHESTERMAN.

TAPE MEASURE.

APPLIGATION FILED JULY so, 1906.

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WITNESSES m: NORRIS PETERS ca., WASHINGTON, D. c.

WILLIAM OHESTERMAN, OF SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND.

TAPE-MEASURE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. s, 1908.

Application filed July 30, 1906. Serial No. 328,294.

To all whom it may concern:

MAN, a subject of the King of Great Britain and Ireland, residing at BOWWorks, Sheffield, in the county of York, England, manufacturer, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in or Relating to TapeMeasures, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to tape measures, and consists in improvements ofthe means shown in the specification to British Patent No. 5382/1886 ofsecuring the inner end of the tape to the central boss or spindle onwhich it is wound with the object of facili tating its attachmentthereto.

The means by which this is attained is shown in two forms which areillustrated in Figures 1 to 4 and Figs. 5 to 7 respectively of theaccompanying drawings, Fig. 1 being a diametrical section of one form ofthe improved tape measure; Fig. 2 is a side elevation, and Fig. 3 an endelevation of the combined boss and axle pin, and Fig. 4 a side elevationof the same with the device for facilitating assembly attached theretoFig. 5 is a view corresponding with Fig. 1 showing a modifiedconstruction, and Figs. 6 and 7 detail views thereof corresponding withthose of Figs. 2 and 3 with the handle folded into the inclosedposition.

In Figs. 1 and 5, the winding handle is shown in a position for windingpurposes, while in Figs. 2, 3, 4, 6 and 7 this handle is shown as foldedback into a closed or inoperative position.

In the former construction the boss or sleeve a which acts as thewinding drum for the tape 2) and the axle pin 0 are formed in one piece,and the latter is threaded through the loop I) at the inner end of thetape which leads out through the longitudinal slot at in the boss a. Tofacilitate the insertion of the pin 0 in the loop, the end of the pinwhich is hollow and screw-threaded for the reception of the retainingset screw d in the usual manner, has temporarily screwed into it a taperpin 6 which is passed approximately centrally within the casing, and theboss a is then turned until the slot a slips over the edge of the tape.The pin 6 is then unscrewed, and the eyelet washerf and retaining screwd placed in position as shown in Fig. 1. Y

In the construction of Figs. 5, 6 and 7, h and k are portions of thewinding axle to which is hinged the winding handle Z, the axlepin 0 isof non-circular section and may be squared or flattened as at c, and theslotted sleeve a which is of an internal diameter very slightly largerthan c and similarly squared or flattened is detachable. In this casethe end of the tape 1) is passed into the casing and out through thecentral hole in the casing which is afterwards closed by the cheek ofthe winding axle as soon as the several elements have been assembled andthe tape measure is ready for use. It is then given a turn round theflattened axle pin which during this operation is held below saidcentral hole and the flattened sleeve slip ed or sprung over it from theset screw enc of the axle pin, thereby clipping the end of the tape onthe pin as shown in Fig. 7, after which the whole is placed in positionand secured as shown in Fig. 5.

Having thus described the nature of my said invention, and the bestmeans I know of carrying the same into practical effect, I claim 1. Inmeasuring tapes, means for attaching the inner end of the tape to thewinding axle comprising a central axle pin, a sleeve surrounding thesaid axle pin and having a longitudinal slot, and means facilitating theinsertion of the axle pin through the inner looped end of the tape,substantially as described.

2. In a measuring tape, the combination of a central axle pin aroundwhich the end of the tape is looped, a winding handle hinged to saidaxle pin, and a sleeve having a longitudinal slot, said sleeve adaptedto receive said end of tape around the axle pin and to operate as thewinding drum; substantially as described.

3. In a measuring tape, the combination of a central axle pin having aflat portion around which the end of the tape is passed, a windinghandle hinged to said axle pin, a detachable slotted sleeve having aflat portion and adapted to engage over said axle pin, and end of thetape, thereby clamping the latter, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subscribing witnesses.

WILLIAM CHESTERMAN.

Witnesses S. CLARK, H. MARSHALL.

